WO2025237989A1

WO2025237989A1 - Coupling device

Info

Publication number: WO2025237989A1
Application number: PCT/EP2025/063052
Authority: WO
Inventors: Patrik Svensson; Michael Svedberg
Original assignee: C Lindhextend AB
Current assignee: C Lindhextend AB
Priority date: 2024-05-13
Filing date: 2025-05-13
Publication date: 2025-11-20
Anticipated expiration: 2026-11-13

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a prosthetic coupling device (1) comprising a first coupling part (100) comprising a first end (101) and a second end (102), the second end comprising a male member (103); and a second coupling part (200) comprising a first end (201) and a second end (202), the second end comprising a female void (203) configured to receive the male member of the second end of the first coupling part; and a first locking arrangement being manually operable and having a locked configuration and a released configuration. The prosthetic coupling device is transferable from a connected state to a disconnected state when the first locking arrangement is in the released configuration. The first locking arrangement comprises a locking pin (204) that protrudes into the female void, and a spring-loaded member (205) arranged to dislocate the locking pin along a transversal plane (P2) of the second coupling part (200); and a retention mechanism (104) for retaining the locking pin, which is part of the male member and comprises a guiding portion (104a) and a retaining portion (104b). The guiding portion is adapted to guide the locking pin in movement between the released configuration and the locked configuration, and the retaining portion is adapted to retain the locking pin in a locked position. The locking arrangement is in its locked configuration when the locking pin is in the locked position.

Description

COUPLING DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a prosthetic coupling device for detachably connecting two prosthetic components together. The present disclosure also relates to a cover for attaching to the prosthetic coupling device and to a method for adapting the prosthetic coupling device and the cover to each other.

BACKGROUND

Artificial limbs, or prostheses, have been used by amputees for many centuries. From their beginnings, they have evolved from crudely shaped sticks, pegs or hooks, into sophisticated electro-mechanical equipment, occasionally incorporating servomotors and micro-processors to produce more natural limb movement. However, even given such development, problems remain in the means for attaching and detaching a prosthetic member to the amputation site.

Problems associated with the changing of the prosthesis have increased as amputees have acquired more than one prosthesis for use in different and/or specific situations and environments. Therefore, the course of development of prostheses has dictated a need for more effective means for rapidly changing from a prosthesis intended for one purpose to another prosthesis intended for use in another purpose or application.

In situations wherein the prosthesis is frequently removed it is essential that the release mechanism is durable, self-aligning and safe and does not require the use of tools that have to be carried by the user or assistance from an assistant or orthotic fitter. Furthermore, it is desirable that any user-specific adjustments and settings made to the prosthesis remain unaffected when removing the prosthesis such that the prosthesis can be reattached with all user-specific settings intact.

Lower-extremity prostheses provide replacements at varying levels of amputation. These include hip disarticulation, transfemoral prosthesis, knee disarticulation, transtibial prosthesis, Syme's amputation, foot, partial foot, and toe. The two main subcategories of lower extremity prosthetic devices are trans- tibial (any amputation transecting the tibia bone or a congenital anomaly resulting in a tibial deficiency) and trans-femoral (any amputation transecting the femur bone or a congenital anomaly resulting in a femoral deficiency). A typical prosthetic leg structure for above the knee amputee consists of a socket which is the part that comes in direct contact with the amputee’s residual limb (unless the user is fitted with an osseointegration (also called an osseointegrated coupling)); a pylon which is the portion of the prosthesis that transfers weight between the socket and the prosthetic knee, a knee, and a foot with a pylon to transfer weight between the foot and the knee.

A number of mechanisms have been designed to connect and release the lower-extremity prosthetic components to a prosthetic socket or a direct bone attachment (osseointegration) of the user.

Covers (also referred to as cosmetics) are often attached to a prosthesis to provide a more natural appearance of the prosthesis. Generally, such covers are attached to the prosthesis using connection devices which require at least one hand for holding the prosthetic cover in place while attaching it to the prosthesis. Thus, covers are often difficult for the user to attach without help from another person. Furthermore, the attachment process is time consuming and cumbersome, making frequent changes impractical.

Thus, there is a need for a coupling device offering simplified handling, allowing quick and easy coupling and decoupling of prosthetic parts, especially when the prosthesis comprises one or more covers.

SUMMARY

An object of the present disclosure is to eliminate or at least mitigate the drawbacks of prior art systems. According to a first aspect, the above and other objects of the invention are achieved, in full or at least in part by a prosthetic coupling device as defined by claim 1 . According to this claim, the above object is achieved by a prosthetic coupling device comprising a first coupling part comprising a first end and a second end, the first end being connectable to a prosthetic adapter element of a first prosthetic member, and the second end comprising a male member; and a second coupling part comprising a first end and a second end, the first end being connectable to a prosthetic adapter element on a second prosthetic member, and the second end comprising a female void configured to receive the male member of the second end of the first coupling part; wherein the second end of the first coupling part is connectable to the second end of the second coupling part. The prosthetic coupling device comprises a first locking arrangement being manually operable and having a locked configuration and a released configuration, the prosthetic coupling device being transferable from a connected state to a disconnected state when the first locking arrangement is in the released configuration. The first locking arrangement comprises a locking pin that protrudes into the female void of the second coupling part; a spring-loaded member arranged to dislocate the locking pin along a transversal plane of the second coupling part; and a retention mechanism for retaining the locking pin. The retention mechanism is part of the male member of the first coupling part. The retention mechanism comprises a guiding portion and a retaining portion, the guiding portion being adapted to guide the locking pin in movement between the released configuration and the locked configuration, and the retaining portion being adapted to retain the locking pin in a locked position. The locking arrangement is in its locked configuration when the locking pin is in the locked position.

Such a prosthetic coupling device is easy to handle and secure. Furthermore, such a prosthetic coupling device is self-locking, due to the guiding portion of the retention mechanism being adapted to guide the locking pin in movement between the released configuration and the locked configuration, and the retaining portion being adapted to retain the locking pin in a locked position. Moreover, the prosthetic coupling device is compatible with the use of a cover (cosmetics). Further, the prosthetic device is slim, giving a prosthesis comprising the prosthetic coupling device a more natural appearance. Preferably, the prosthetic coupling device is made of metal. Examples of suitable metals include aluminium or steel.

According to one embodiment, the prosthetic coupling device further comprises a second locking arrangement being manually operable and having a locked configuration and a released configuration, wherein the first and second locking arrangements are separately operable and the prosthetic coupling device being transferable from a connected state to a disconnected state only when both the first and the second locking arrangements are in the released configuration.

In other words, this embodiment relates to a prosthetic coupling device comprising a first coupling part comprising a first end and a second end, the first end being connectable to a prosthetic adapter element of a first prosthetic member, and the second end comprising a male member; and a second coupling part comprising a first end and a second end, the first end being connectable to a prosthetic adapter element on a second prosthetic member, and the second end comprising a female void configured to receive the male member of the second end of the first coupling part; wherein the second end of the first coupling part is connectable to the second end of the second coupling part. The prosthetic coupling device comprises first and second locking arrangements being manually and separately operable and each having a locked configuration and a released configuration, the prosthetic coupling device being transferable from a connected state to a disconnected state only when both locking arrangements are in the released configuration. The first locking arrangement comprises a locking pin that protrudes into the female void of the second coupling part; a spring-loaded member arranged to dislocate the locking pin along a transversal plane of the second coupling part; and a retention mechanism for retaining the locking pin. The retention mechanism is part of the male member of the first coupling part. The retention mechanism comprises a guiding portion and a retaining portion, the guiding portion being adapted to guide the locking pin in movement between the released configuration and the locked configuration, and the retaining portion being adapted to retain the locking pin in a locked position. The locking arrangement is in its locked configuration when the locking pin is in the locked position. Such a prosthetic coupling device is easy to handle and secure. Furthermore, such a prosthetic coupling device is self-locking, due to the guiding portion of the retention mechanism being adapted to guide the locking pin in movement between the released configuration and the locked configuration, and the retaining portion being adapted to retain the locking pin in a locked position. Moreover, the prosthetic coupling device is compatible with the use of a cover (cosmetics). Further, the prosthetic device is slim, giving a prosthesis comprising the prosthetic coupling device a more natural appearance.

Importantly, if one locking arrangement fails, the other locking arrangement will keep the two parts of the prosthetic coupling device connected.

Preferably, the guiding portion of the retention mechanism is open towards the second end of the first coupling part. This has the effect that the prosthetic coupling device is easy to connect, since once the first coupling part has been brought into contact with the second coupling part and the locking pin has entered the guiding portion of the retention mechanism, the first and second coupling parts are easily connected only by putting pressure on the two parts, such as by carefully standing up or pressing the foot against the floor, since the locking pin will follow the guiding portion. As the two coupling parts are pressed towards each other, the locking pin is moved along the guiding portion towards the retaining portion. When the locking pin reaches the retaining portion, the spring of the spring-loaded member exerts a force on the locking pin and holds the locking pin in its first position, i.e. the locking arrangement is in its locked configuration. Preferably, the retaining portion of the retention mechanism extends substantially in a transversal plane of the first coupling part.

Thus, according to one embodiment, the guiding portion of the retention mechanism is open towards the second end of the first coupling part, and/or the retaining portion of the retention mechanism extends substantially in a transversal plane of the first coupling part. This has the effect that the prosthetic coupling device is easy to connect, since once the first coupling part has been brought into contact with the second coupling part and the locking pin has entered the guiding portion of the retention mechanism, the first and second coupling parts are easily connected only by putting pressure on the two parts, such as by carefully standing up or pressing the foot against the floor, since the locking pin will follow the guiding portion. As the two coupling parts are pressed towards each other, the locking pin is moved along the guiding portion towards the retaining portion. When the locking pin reaches the retaining portion, the spring of the spring-loaded member exerts a force on the locking pin and holds the locking pin in its first position, i.e. the locking arrangement is in its locked configuration.

According to another embodiment, the retention mechanism is a track.

According to a further embodiment, the locking pin comprises a chamfered or tilted surface configured to mate with a corresponding chamfered or tilted surface on the guiding portion and/or on the retaining portion of the retention mechanism. The chamfered or tilted surfaces have the effect that the locking pin glides easily in the retention mechanism. Further, the chamfered or tilted surfaces provide distribution of the force exerted on the different parts of the prosthetic coupling device, thus reducing the force exerted on individual parts. Further, the chamfered or tilted surfaces contribute to the self-locking mechanism.

According to yet another embodiment, the spring-loaded member comprises a handling portion, a spring, and a rod configured to receive the locking pin. This has the advantage that, if used together with a cover (also referred to as cosmetics), the cover can first be adjusted and mounted to the prosthetic leg, followed by the mounting and assembly of the spring-loaded member.

The handling portion may be a gripping portion or a pushing portion or button.

The locking pin may be inserted into a slot in the rod. This has the advantage that the locking pin is protected from breaking. Furthermore, the dismantling of e.g. a prosthetic leg including a cover is facilitated. According to another embodiment, the handling portion of the spring-loaded member has a plurality of circumferential indentations, at which the handling portion can be cut. Thus, the length of the spring-loaded member can be adjusted to fit each individual prosthesis. Furthermore, the length of the springloaded member can be adjusted to fit covers (cosmetics) that are to receive the spring-loaded member. Legs (or arms) of different individuals differ in circumference and thus, it is advantageous that the length of the spring-loaded member can be adjusted for each individual.

According to a further embodiment, the spring-loaded member is a springloaded push-button. Such a spring-loaded push-button is easy to handle with just one hand. Furthermore, a cover (cosmetics) is preferably adjusted to cover the spring-loaded push-button, since the spring-loaded push-button can be manipulated by pressing the cover (cosmetics). Thus, the prosthetic coupling device can be almost completely concealed with a cover while still being easy and convenient to handle.

When the spring-loaded member is a spring-loaded push-button, the handling portion of the spring-loaded member may be referred to as a pushing portion or button.

According to yet another embodiment, the spring-loaded member is a pulling rod. Releasing a locking arrangement where the spring-loaded member is a pulling rod will usually require two hands, one hand pulling the spring- loaded member and one hand holding the prosthesis comprising the prosthetic coupling device. Such a locking device provides extra security in cases where this is needed, e.g. for a prosthesis used by a child.

When the spring-loaded member is a pulling rod, the handling portion of the spring-loaded member may be referred to as a gripping portion.

According to a further embodiment, the second end of the second coupling part comprises at least one resilient member and the second end of the first coupling part comprises at least one indentation adapted to receive the at least one resilient member. Alternatively, the second end of the first coupling part comprises at least one resilient member and the second end of the second coupling part comprises at least one indentation adapted to receive the at least one resilient member.

The resilient member may be made of an elastic polymer, also referred to as elastomer. Examples of suitable elastic polymers include polyurethane, silicone, polybutadiene, neoprene, natural rubber and combinations thereof. Preferably, the resilient member is made of polyurethane.

The resilient member acts as bumper, absorbing forces during e.g. walking and preventing the first coupling part and the second coupling part from being in direct contact with each other. In addition to facilitating shock absorption, the resilient member and the corresponding indentation may also function as mating guides for connecting the first coupling part and the second coupling part in the correct orientation. Thus, the resilient member and the corresponding indentation may function as a rotation lock, preventing the two coupling parts to be connected in the wrong way around. In other words, the resilient member and the corresponding indentation may function as a rotation lock, ensuring that the two coupling parts are connected in the correct way or direction, such that e.g. a prosthetic foot will be properly aligned with the rest of the prosthetic leg and not pointing to the side or to the back of the person wearing the prosthetic leg. A further advantage is that such a prosthetic coupling device comprising a resilient member is silent and feels softer and more natural when in use. When the prosthetic coupling device is made of metal, the resilient member reduces the contact between metal surfaces of the two coupling parts. When in use, such as when walking, the two coupling parts move slightly against each other, often making a distinct clicking sound, often referred to as “glitching”. The resilient member reduces, and may even abolish, this clicking sound. Further, the resilient member absorbs part of the force exerted on the prosthetic coupling device during walking, providing a softer, more natural feel.

According to yet another embodiment, the female void of the second coupling part comprises a protrusion and the male member of the second end of the first coupling part comprises a recess adapted to mate with the protrusion. The protrusion and the recess act as rotation locks, ensuring that the two coupling parts are connected in the correct way or direction, such that e.g. a prosthetic foot will be properly aligned with the rest of the prosthetic leg and not pointing to the side or to the back of the person wearing the prosthetic leg. The protrusion may be an integral part of the second coupling part or may be a separate part. Preferably, the protrusion is a pin adapted to be inserted in a slot in the second coupling part, whereby the pin protrudes into the female void. Preferably, the pin is made of metal. Examples of suitable metals include aluminium or steel.

According to another embodiment, the second manually operable locking arrangement is of the same type as the first manually operable locking arrangement. This is especially advantageous when the spring-loaded members of the locking arrangements are spring-loaded push buttons, since the two buttons can be operated simultaneously using only one hand. Thus, preferably, the two locking arrangements comprise spring-loaded push buttons. If one locking arrangement fails, the other locking arrangement will keep the two parts of the prosthetic coupling device connected.

According to yet another embodiment, the second manually operable locking arrangement is of a different type than the first manually operable locking arrangement.

According to a further embodiment, the prosthetic coupling device further comprises a third locking arrangement, the third locking arrangement being adapted to secure the first and/or second locking arrangement(s) in their respective locked configuration(s). The third locking arrangement has a locked configuration and a released configuration. In its locked configuration, the third locking arrangement secures the first and/or second locking arrangement. Such a third locking arrangement will provide for extra security, since the first and/or second locking arrangement cannot be brought into their respective released configuration unless the third locking arrangement is in its respective released configuration. The third locking arrangement may be referred to as safety lock. Preferably, the third locking arrangement is manually operable.

A coupling device according to the present disclosure may comprise different combinations of locking arrangements, e.g. (i) a first locking arrangement; (ii) a first locking arrangement and a second locking arrangement, the second locking arrangement being of the same type as the first locking arrangement; (iii) a first locking arrangement and a second locking arrangement, the second locking arrangement being of a different type than the first locking arrangement; (iv) a first locking arrangement and a third locking arrangement, the third locking arrangement being adapted to secure the first locking arrangement in its locked configuration; (v) a first locking arrangement and a second locking arrangement, the second locking arrangement being of the same type as or of a different type than the first locking arrangement, and further at least one third locking arrangement, the third locking arrangement being adapted to secure the first and/or second locking arrangement in its locked configuration.

The third locking arrangement may preferably lock the spring-loaded member such that it cannot be dislocated.

According to another embodiment, the third locking arrangement is a pin.

According to a further embodiment, the prosthetic adapter element of the first or second prosthetic members is selected from the group consisting of 4- hole linking plates, 4-hole male pyramids, 4-hole female pyramids, 4-hole pyramid receiver adapters, female double adapter, male double adapter, malefemale double adapter, Sach foot adapter, female pylons, male adapters, female adapters, male tube clamps, female tube clamps, and/or 4-hole tube clamps.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cover for attaching to an arm prosthesis, a leg prosthesis or an orthosis, comprising a prosthetic coupling device according to the present disclosure, wherein the cover is adapted to receive the spring-loaded member of the second coupling part. The cover may be made of foam, optionally comprising an outer layer. The outer layer may be made of nylon, synthetic skin or animal skin.

Preferably, the cover comprises two parts, a first part covering the first coupling part of the prosthetic coupling device according to the present disclosure and a second part covering the second coupling part of the prosthetic coupling device according to the present disclosure.

Preferably, the cover is adapted to each individual. In short, an inside surface of the cover is shaped and adjusted to fit the components of the prosthesis. Usually, the foam cover is thereafter fastened at the top and bottom of the prosthesis, such as by gluing. Typically, the foam cover may be slid over the prosthesis and fastened at the top and bottom of the prosthesis, such as by gluing. In the case of a leg or foot prosthesis, the prosthetic foot may be detached from the prosthesis and the foam cover may be slid over the prosthesis and fastened at the top and bottom of the prosthesis, such as by gluing.

Preferably, the outside of the foam is shaped to fit the individual wearing the prosthesis, such as adjusting the shape and size of the cover.

Finally, the cover is split into at least two parts at the location(s) where the prosthesis can be disconnected.

Optionally, an outer layer is applied. The outer layer may be made of nylon, synthetic skin or animal skin.

Thus, according to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for adapting a prosthetic coupling device according to the present disclosure and a cover according the present disclosure to each other, the method comprising the steps of (a) providing at least one hole or indentation on an inside surface of the cover, the hole or indentation being adapted to receive the end of the spring-loaded member of the second coupling part of the coupling device; (b) splitting the cover into at least two parts, wherein a first part is adapted to cover at least the first coupling part and a second part is adapted cover at least the second coupling part; and (c) optionally, cutting the spring- loaded member at a circumferential indentation to a length such that the spring- loaded member can be inserted into the hole or indentation in the cover, but not protrude through the cover; and/or (d) optionally, smoothen any rough edges on the spring-loaded member.

The cover is preferably split along a transversal plane where the first coupling part and the second coupling part meet when the two coupling parts are connected. Thus, parts of the prosthesis can be separated by disconnecting the coupling device according to the present disclosure, while the cover is still in place. Hence, there is no need to dismantle the cover when separating different parts of the prosthesis.

Other objectives, features and advantages of the present disclosure will appear from the following detailed description as well as from the attached claims. It is noted that the disclosure relates to all possible combinations of features.

Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to “a/an/the [component, means, step, etc.]” are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of said component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated.

As used herein, the term “comprising” and variations of that term are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the following detailed description, references to the following figures will be made. Note that the figures are schematic and some parts of the prosthetic coupling device may have been omitted, which are obvious to a professional in the technical field in which the prosthetic coupling device is included.

Fig. 1a shows a prosthetic limb comprising a first prosthetic member and a second prosthetic member interconnected by a prosthetic coupling device according to the present disclosure. Fig. 1 b shows an exploded view of the prosthetic limb shown in Fig.1a.

Fig. 2 shows one embodiment of the prosthetic coupling device according to the present disclosure.

Figs. 3a-d show side views of different embodiments of the first coupling part of the prosthetic coupling device according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 shows one embodiment of a locking pin of the locking arrangement of the prosthetic coupling device according to the present disclosure.

Figs. 5a-c show one embodiment of a spring-loaded member of the locking arrangement of the prosthetic coupling device according to the present disclosure as well as specific parts of such a spring-loaded member.

Figs. 6a-c show different views of the second end of the first coupling part of the prosthetic coupling device according to the present disclosure.

Figs. 7a-c show different views of the second end of the second coupling part of the prosthetic coupling device according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the prosthetic coupling device according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 9a is a side view of a prosthetic limb as shown in Fig. 1 , further comprising a cover.

Fig. 9b is a front view of a prosthetic limb and shows a cover according to the present disclosure, adapted to receive the spring-loaded member of the second coupling part of the prosthetic coupling device according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 9c illustrates different positions where a prosthetic coupling device according to the present disclosure can be mounted in a prosthetic limb, as well as the resulting different cover parts. Fig. 9d shows a prosthesis comprising a prosthetic coupling device according to the present disclosure and a cover according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A prosthetic coupling device 1 according to the present disclosure comprises a first coupling part 100 comprising a first end 101 and a second end 102, the first end 101 being connectable to a prosthetic adapter element of a first prosthetic member 2, and the second end 102 comprising a male member 103. The prosthetic coupling device 1 further comprises a second coupling part 200 comprising a first end 201 and a second end 202, the first end 201 being connectable to a prosthetic adapter element on a second prosthetic member 3, and the second end 202 comprising a female void 203 configured to receive the male member 103 of the second end 102 of the first coupling part 100. The second end 102 of the first coupling part 100 is connectable to the second end 202 of the second coupling part 200. The prosthetic coupling device 1 further comprises a first locking arrangement being manually operable and having a locked configuration and a released configuration, the prosthetic coupling device 1 being transferable from a connected state to a disconnected state when the first locking arrangement is in the released configuration. The first locking arrangement comprises a locking pin 204 that protrudes into the female void 203 of the second coupling part 200; a spring-loaded member 205 arranged to dislocate the locking pin 204 along a transversal plane P2 of the second coupling part 200; and a retention mechanism 104 for retaining the locking pin 204. The retention mechanism 104 is part of the male member 103 of the first coupling part 100 and comprises a guiding portion 104a and a retaining portion 104b. The guiding portion 104a is adapted to guide the locking pin 204 in movement between the released configuration and the locked configuration. The retaining portion 104b is adapted to retain the locking pin 204 in a locked position. The locking arrangement is in its locked configuration when the locking pin 204 is in the locked position. Herein, the wording “dislocated along a transversal plane” is to be understood as a movement following a substantially straight line, not along a curved line or having a point of rotation.

Different prosthetic coupling devices 1 can be envisioned. In its simplest form, the prosthetic coupling device 1 comprises one locking arrangement. A further locking arrangement (herein referred to as a third locking arrangement or as a safety lock) adapted to secure the first locking arrangement may be present. Preferably, such a third locking arrangement is manually operable.

Preferably, a prosthetic coupling device 1 comprises two locking arrangements, a first locking arrangement and a second locking arrangement. Preferably, the first and second locking arrangements are manually operable. Preferably, the first and second locking arrangements are separately operable, such that one locking arrangement can be in its locked configuration, while the other locking arrangement is in its released configuration. However, the two locking arrangements may also be linked, such that both locking arrangements are simultaneously in either their locked configuration or in their released configuration. One or two further locking arrangement (herein referred to as third locking arrangement or as safety lock) adapted to secure the first and/or second locking arrangement may be present. Preferably, such third locking arrangements are manually operable.

The first and second locking arrangements may be of different types or may be of the same type. Thus, a prosthetic coupling device 1 may comprise two locking arrangements of different types that are separately operable. Alternatively, a prosthetic coupling device may comprise two locking arrangements of the same type that are separately operable. Preferably, the locking arrangements are manually operable.

In order to ensure that the prosthetic coupling device 1 can be coupled in only one way, such that e.g. a foot of the prosthesis is correctly aligned with a leg of the prosthesis, the prosthetic coupling device 1 may further comprise a rotation lock. Herein, wordings stating that “the prosthesis is correctly aligned” or that “the two coupling parts are connected in the correct way or direction” is to be understood as e.g. a prosthetic foot being properly aligned with the rest of the prosthetic leg and not pointing to the side or to the back of the person wearing the prosthetic leg.

Thus, a prosthetic coupling device 1 may comprise two locking arrangements of different types and a rotation lock. Alternatively, a prosthetic coupling device 1 may comprise two locking arrangements of the same type and a rotation lock. Preferably, the locking arrangements are separately operable. Preferably, the locking arrangements are manually operable.

In the following, the prosthetic coupling device 1 will be described in a nonlimiting way and in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the enclosed drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present teachings. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense. The prosthetic coupling devices 1 described herein are configured for use with trans-femoral and trans-tibial prostheses for above-the-knee or below-the-knee amputees, respectively. The same concepts and methods described may be similarly used for other prosthetic devices and are not limited solely to the anatomical locations discussed.

With reference to the figures, a prosthetic coupling device 1 is here described in more detail. The skilled person realizes that a third locking arrangement (also referred to as a safety lock), although not shown, can be present in each of the described embodiments. When the first and/or second locking arrangement(s) has/have been transferred into its respective locked configuration, the third locking arrangement is transferred into its respective locked configuration, thereby securing the first and/or second locking arrangement(s).

In the exemplifying embodiment, the prosthetic coupling device 1 is used as a coupling device in a prosthesis or similar. The prosthetic coupling device 1 is preferably used to connect at least one first prosthetic member 2 of a prosthesis and at least one second prosthetic member 3 of a prosthesis. Although the use of the prosthetic coupling device 1 in applications in a prosthesis is described herein, this does not preclude the use of the prosthetic coupling device 1 in other applications where the prosthetic coupling device 1 is suitable for use. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the contents of the present disclosure is defined as a system, such as a prosthetic system, which includes at least one coupling device 1 .

Fig. 1a shows a prosthetic limb comprising a first prosthetic member 2 and a second prosthetic member 3 interconnected by a prosthetic coupling device 1 . In this embodiment, the prosthetic coupling device 1 interconnects a prosthetic foot with a lower end of a lower leg. However, the prosthetic coupling device may also connect e.g. a knee joint to a lower end of an upper leg. Preferably, the prosthetic coupling device 1 according to the present disclosure is made of metal. Examples of suitable metals include aluminium or steel.

Fig. 1b shows one embodiment of a prosthetic coupling device 1 as described herein. The prosthetic coupling device 1 comprises a first coupling part 100 and a second coupling part 200. The first end 101 of the first coupling part 100 is connectable to a prosthetic adapter element of a first prosthetic member 2, which here is a lower end of an upper leg. The first end 201 of the second coupling part 200 is connectable to a prosthetic adapter element on a second prosthetic member 3, which here is a prosthetic foot. The prosthetic adapter element of the first or second prosthetic members 2, 3 may be selected from the group consisting of 4-hole linking plates, 4-hole male pyramids, 4-hole female pyramids, 4-hole pyramid receiver adapters, female double adapter, male double adapter, male-female double adapter, Sach foot adapter, female pylons, male adapters, female adapters, male tube clamps, female tube clamps, and/or 4-hole tube clamps.

The second end 102 of the first coupling part 100 comprises a male member 103. The second end 202 of the second coupling part 200 comprises a female void 203 (not shown in Fig.1 b, but in Fig. 7a) configured to receive the male member 103.

The skilled person realizes that the first prosthetic member 2 may be an upper prosthetic member (such as a thigh) or a lower prosthetic member (such as a prosthetic foot). Accordingly, the second prosthetic member 3 may be a lower prosthetic member (such as a prosthetic foot) or an upper prosthetic member (such as a thigh). Thus, the first coupling part 100 may be connectable to a lower prosthetic member or to an upper prosthetic member and the second coupling part 200 may be connectable to an upper prosthetic member or to a lower prosthetic member. In other words, the prosthetic coupling device 1 according to the present disclosure may be assembled as in Figs. 1a and 1 b or in the reverse order (“up-side-down”). In Figs. 1a and 1 b, the first coupling part 100, comprising a male member 103, is connectable to a first prosthetic member 2, the first prosthetic member 2 being an upper prosthetic member; and the second coupling part 200, comprising a female void 203, is connectable to a second prosthetic member 3, the second prosthetic member 3 being a lower prosthetic member, such as a prosthetic foot. In the reverse order (“upside-down”) (not shown in the figures), the first coupling part 100, comprising a male member 103, is connectable to a lower prosthetic member, such as a foot; and the second coupling part 200, comprising a female void 203, is connectable to an upper prosthetic member.

As stated above, the prosthetic coupling device 1 comprises a first locking arrangement. Preferably, the prosthetic coupling device comprises a first locking arrangement and a second locking arrangement. In the following, a prosthetic coupling device 1 having a first and a second locking arrangement are described. However, the skilled person realizes that in embodiments comprising a first locking arrangement, the first locking arrangement is as described below.

The prosthetic coupling device 1 is shown in detail in Fig. 2. The second coupling part 200 has a first end 201 and a second end 202. The first end 201 of the second coupling part 200 is connectable to a prosthetic adapter element on a prosthetic member 2, 3. The second end 202 of the second coupling part 200 comprises a female void 203 (not shown) configured to receive the male member 103 of the second end 102 of the first coupling part 100. The prosthetic coupling device 1 shown in Fig. 2 comprises a first and a second locking arrangement, which are manually and separately operable. Each locking arrangement has a locked configuration and a released configuration. The prosthetic coupling device 1 is transferable from a connected state to a disconnected state only when both locking arrangements are in the released configuration. The two locking arrangements may be of the same type or of different types. Preferably, the first and the second locking arrangements are of the same type, as shown in Fig. 2. The first locking arrangement comprises a locking pin 204 that protrudes into the female void 203 of the second coupling part 200 and a spring-loaded member 205 arranged to dislocate the locking pin 204 along a transversal plane P2 of the second coupling part 200. The first locking arrangement further comprises a retention mechanism 104 for retaining the locking pin 204. The retention mechanism 104 is part of the male member 103 of the first coupling part 100 and comprises a guiding portion 104a and a retaining portion 104b. The guiding portion 104a is adapted to guide the locking pin 204 in movement between the released configuration and the locked configuration, and the retaining portion 104b is adapted to retain the locking pin 204 in a locked position. The locking arrangement is in its locked configuration when the locking pin 204 is in the locked position. Preferably, the retaining portion 104b extends substantially in a transversal plane P1 of the first coupling part 100. Thus, preferably, when the locking arrangement is in its locked configuration, the transversal planes P1 and P2 essentially coincide. Preferably, the guiding portion 104a of the retention mechanism 104 is open towards the second end 102 of the first coupling part 100.

Figs. 3a to 3d show different configurations of the retention mechanism 104. In the embodiments shown in Figs. 3a to 3d, the retention mechanism 104 comprises a guiding portion 104a being open towards the second end 102 of the first coupling part 100, and a retaining portion 104b extending substantially in a transversal plane P1 (shown in Fig. 2 and represented by a line L1 shown for simplicity in only Fig. 3a) of the first coupling part 100. Preferably, the retention mechanism 104 is a track.

One embodiment of the locking pin 204 is shown in Fig. 4. In this embodiment, the end of the locking pin 204 that is configured to engage with the retaining mechanism 104 has a chamfered or tilted surface S2. The chamfered or tilted surface S2 is configured to mate with a corresponding chamfered or tilted surface S1 present on the guiding portion 104a and/or on the retaining portion 104b (shown in Fig. 2).

One embodiment of the spring-loaded member 205 is shown in Fig. 5a. The spring-loaded member 205 shown in this figure comprises a handling portion 205a, a spring 205b and a rod 205c configured to receive the locking pin 204. Preferably, the locking pin 204 is inserted into a slot 205d in the rod 205c (shown in Fig. 5b). A pin 205e for coupling the spring 205b to the rod 205c is also shown in Fig 5a. However, it is also possible to couple the spring 205b directly on to the rod 205c.

The spring-loaded member 205 shown in Fig. 5a is a spring-loaded pushbutton. When the handling portion 205a is pressed towards the second coupling part 200, the spring 205b is compressed and the rod 205c and thus also the locking pin 204 is dislocated along a transversal plane P2 of the second coupling part 200. The locking pin 204 is dislocated from a first position to a second position. When the handling portion 205a is not pressed, the spring 205b exerts a force on the rod 205c holding the locking pin 204 and holds the locking pin 204 in its first position.

The spring-loaded member 205 may alternatively be a spring-loaded pulling rod. In such a case, the spring 205b is located between the rod 205c and the handling portion 205a, such that when the handling portion 205a is pulled away from the second coupling part 200, the rod 205c compresses the spring 205b and the rod 205c and thus also the locking pin 204 is dislocated along a transversal plane P2 of the second coupling part 200. The locking pin 204 is dislocated from a first position to a second position. When the handling portion 205a is not pulled, the spring 205b exerts a force on the rod 205c holding the locking pin 204 and holds the locking pin 204 in its first position.

Preferably, the spring-loaded member 205 is a spring-loaded push-button. Generally, it is easier to operate a push-button than a pulling rod using only one hand.

In one embodiment, the handling portion 205a of the spring-loaded member

205 comprises a plurality of circumferential indentations 205f, at which the handling portion 205a can be cut (shown in Fig. 5c). Thus, by cutting the handling portion 205a to a specific length, the prosthetic coupling device 1 can be tailored to the person for which the prosthetic coupling device 1 is intended. Moreover, the end of the handling portion 205a may be used as adapters for fastening cosmetics 4, also referred to as cover, to the prosthetic coupling device 1 . When cosmetics 4 is fastened to the handling portion 205a, the spring-loaded member 205 can still be manipulated as described in order to connect and/or disconnect the first coupling part 100 and the second coupling part 200.

The second end 202 of the second coupling part 200 may comprise at least one resilient member 206 (shown in Figs. 7a-c and 8). The resilient member

206 may be made of rubber and acts as bumper, absorbing forces during e.g. walking and preventing the first coupling part 100 and the second coupling part 200 from being in direct contact with each other. In such embodiments, the second end 102 of the first coupling part 100 comprises at least one indentation 105 (shown in Figs. 6a, 6c and 8) adapted to receive the at least one resilient member 206. In addition to facilitating shock absorption, the resilient member 206 and the corresponding indentation 105 may also function as mating guides for connecting the first coupling part 100 and the second coupling part 200 in the correct orientation. Thus, the resilient member 206 and the corresponding indentation 105 may function as a rotation lock, preventing the two coupling parts 100, 200 to be connected in the wrong way around, thus ensuring that the prosthesis is correctly aligned. Additionally, or alternatively, the female void 203 of the second coupling part 200 may comprise a protrusion 207 (see Figs. 7a and 8) and the male member 103 of the second end 102 of the first coupling part 100 may comprises a recess 106 (shown in Figs. 6a, 6c and 8) adapted to mate with the protrusion 207. The protrusion 207 and the recess 106 act as rotation locks, ensuring that the two coupling parts 100, 200 are connected in the correct way or direction, such that e.g. a prosthetic foot will be properly aligned with the rest of the prosthetic leg and not pointing to the side or to the back of the person wearing the prosthetic leg.

Preferably, the second locking arrangement is of the same type as the first locking arrangement. Thus, even more preferred, the two locking arrangements comprise spring-loaded push buttons.

Figs. 6a-6c show a specific embodiment of the first coupling part 100. In this embodiment, the second locking arrangement is of the same type as the first locking arrangement. The first coupling part 100 has a first end 101 and a second end 102. The first end 101 of the first coupling part 100 is connectable to a prosthetic adapter element of a first prosthetic member 2. The prosthetic adapter element of the first prosthetic member 2 may be selected from the group consisting of 4-hole linking plates, 4-hole male pyramids, 4-hole female pyramids, 4-hole pyramid receiver adapters, female double adapter, male double adapter, male-female double adapter, Sach foot adapter, female pylons, male adapters, female adapters, male tube clamps, female tube clamps, and/or 4-hole tube clamps.

Fig. 6a shows a view of the second end 102 of the first coupling part 100. In this embodiment, the second end 102 comprises two indentations 105 adapted to receive resilient members 206 present in the second coupling part 200. In this embodiment, the male member 103 is substantially square-formed. The male member 103 comprises two retaining mechanisms 104. However, the skilled person realizes that only one indentation 105 and/or only one retaining mechanism 104 may be present. Further, this embodiment comprises a recess 106 adapted to mate with a protrusion 207 present in the second coupling part 200. Fig. 6b is a side view of the first coupling part 100 showing the retaining mechanism 104 comprising a guiding portion 104a and a retaining portion 104b. Fig. 6c is another side view of one embodiment of the first coupling part 100 showing an indentation 105 adapted to receive a resilient member 206 present in the second coupling part 200 and a recess 106 adapted to mate with a protrusion 207 present in the second coupling part 200.

Figs. 7a-7c show a specific embodiment of the second coupling part 200. In this embodiment, the second locking arrangement is of the same type as the first locking arrangement. The second coupling part 200 has a first end 201 and a second end 202. The first end 201 of the second coupling part 200 is connectable to a prosthetic adapter element on a second prosthetic member 3. The prosthetic adapter element of the second prosthetic member 3 may be selected from the group consisting of 4-hole linking plates, 4-hole male pyramids, 4-hole female pyramids, 4-hole pyramid receiver adapters, female double adapter, male double adapter, male-female double adapter, Sach foot adapter, female pylons, male adapters, female adapters, male tube clamps, female tube clamps, and/or 4-hole tube clamps.

Fig. 7a shows a view of the second end 202 of the second coupling part 200. In this embodiment, the second end 202 comprises two resilient members 206 intended to be received by indentations 105 present in the first coupling part 100. In this embodiment, the female void 203 is substantially square- formed. For simplicity, the locking pins 204 protruding into the female void 203 are not shown. The skilled person realizes that only one resilient member 206 and/or only one locking pin 204 may be present. Further, this embodiment comprises a protrusion 207 intended to mate with a recess 106 present in the first coupling part 100. The protrusion 207 may be an integral part of the second coupling part 200. Alternatively, the protrusion 207 may be a pin (see Fig. 8) adapted to be inserted in a slot 208 (see Fig. 7c), whereby the pin 207 protrudes into the female void 203. Fig. 7b is a side view of the second coupling part 200 showing a slot 209 wherein the locking pin 204 is located. Fig. 7c is another side view of the second coupling part 200 showing the handling portion 205a of the spring-loaded member 205 as well as a resilient member 206 intended to be received by an indentation 105 present in the first coupling part 100. The slot 208 intended to receive the protrusion (pin) 207 is also shown in Fig. 7c.

The first coupling part 100 and the second coupling part 200 are coupled to each other by dislocating the spring-loaded member 205, either by pushing it towards the second coupling part 200 in case the spring-loaded member 205 is a spring-loaded push-button, or by pulling it from the second coupling part 200 in the case where the spring-loaded member 205 is a pulling rod. The movement of the spring-loaded member 205 will dislocate the locking pin 204 along a transversal plane P2 of the second coupling member 200. The locking pin 204 protrudes into the female void 203 of the second coupling part 200.

When the spring-loaded member 205 is pushed or pulled as described above, the locking pin 204 is moved from a first position to a second position. When in its second position, the locking pin 204 is in a position where it can engage with the guiding portion 104a of the retention mechanism 104 of the male member 103 of the first coupling part 100. Once the locking pin 204 engages with the guiding portion 104a, the spring-loaded member 205 does not need to be pushed or pulled any more. The two coupling parts 100, 200 are gently pressed towards each other and the locking pin 204 is guided along the guiding portion 104a towards the retaining portion 104b of the retention mechanism 104. Once in the retaining portion 104b, the locking pin 204 is held in its first position by the force exerted by the spring of the spring-loaded member 205, i.e. the locking arrangement is in its locked configuration.

In some embodiments, such as the embodiments shown in Figs. 3a, 6b and 8, the guiding portion 104a can engage with the locking pin 204 already when the locking pin 204 is in its first position. Thus, when the two coupling parts 100, 200 are gently pressed towards each other, the guiding portion 104a engages with the locking pin 204, guiding it along the guiding portion 104a, thereby exerting a pressure on the spring and dislocating the spring-loaded member 205. As the two coupling parts 100, 200 are pressed towards each other, the locking pin 204 is moved along the guiding portion 104a towards the retaining portion 104b. When the locking pin 204 reaches the retaining portion 104b, the spring of the spring-loaded member 205 exerts a force on the locking pin 204 and holds the locking pin 204 in its first position, i.e. the locking arrangement is in its locked configuration.

To separate the two coupling parts 100, 200, the spring-loaded member 205 is pushed or pulled as described above, thereby moving the locking pin 204 from its first position to its second position along the transversal plane P2 of the second coupling part 200. During this movement, the locking pin 204 moves along the retaining portion 104b of the retaining mechanism 104 along the transversal plane P1 of the first coupling part 100 until it engages with the guiding portion 104b of the retention mechanism 104. When there is no external force pressing the two coupling parts 100, 200 towards each other, the locking pin 204 is guided along the guiding portion 104a of the retention mechanism 104 towards the end of the second end 102 of the first coupling part 100 and finally disengages from the guiding portion 104a and the locking arrangement is in its released configuration.

Fig. 8 shows an exploded view of one embodiment of the prosthetic coupling device 1 according to the present disclosure. This embodiment comprises two locking arrangements that are of the same type. The first coupling part 100 has a first end 101 and a second end 102. The first end 101 of the first coupling part 100 is connectable to a prosthetic adapter element of a first prosthetic member 2. The second coupling part 200 has a first end 201 and a second end 202. The first end 201 of the second coupling part 200 is connectable to a prosthetic adapter element on a second prosthetic member 3. The prosthetic adapter element of the first or second prosthetic members 2, 3 may be selected from the group consisting of 4-hole linking plates, 4-hole male pyramids, 4-hole female pyramids, 4-hole pyramid receiver adapters, female double adapter, male double adapter, male-female double adapter, Sach foot adapter, female pylons, male adapters, female adapters, male tube clamps, female tube clamps, and/or 4-hole tube clamps. Screws S (only shown for the second coupling part 200) are used to secure the coupling parts 100, 200 to the prosthetic adapter elements. In Fig. 8, four screws S are shown (only one has a reference sign), but fewer or more screws may be used.

The second end 202 of the second coupling part 200 comprises a female void 203 (not shown) configured to receive the male member 103 of the second end 102 of the first coupling part 100. The prosthetic coupling device 1 comprises a first locking arrangement, which is manually operable. Preferably, the prosthetic coupling device 1 comprises a first and a second locking arrangement, which are manually and separately operable. In the embodiment comprising a first and a second locking arrangement shown in Fig. 8, the two locking arrangements are of the same type. Each locking arrangement has a locked configuration and a released configuration. The prosthetic coupling device 1 is transferable from a connected state to a disconnected state only when both locking arrangements are in released configuration.

Each locking arrangement in the prosthetic coupling device 1 shown in Fig. 8 comprises a locking pin 204 that protrudes into the female void 203 of the second coupling part 200 and a spring-loaded member 205 arranged to dislocate the locking pin 204 along a transversal plane P2 (as shown in Fig. 2) of the second coupling part 200. Each locking arrangement further comprises a retention mechanism 104 for retaining the locking pin 204. The retention mechanism 104 is part of the male member 103 of the first coupling part 100 and comprises a guiding portion 104a being open towards the second end 102 of the first coupling part 100, and a retaining portion 104b extending substantially in a transversal plane P1 (as shown in Fig. 2 and as represented by a line L1 in Fig. 3a) of the first coupling part 100. Specifically, the retention mechanism 104 is a track. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, the end of the locking pin 204 that is configured to engage with the retaining mechanism 104 has a chamfered or tilted surface S2. The chamfered or tilted surface S2 is configured to mate with a corresponding chamfered or tilted surface S1 present on the guiding portion 104a and/or on the retaining portion 104b (as shown in Fig. 2). The guiding portion 104a is adapted to guide the locking pin 204 in movement between the released configuration and the locked configuration, and the retaining portion 104b is adapted to retain the locking pin 204 in a locked position. The locking arrangement is in its locked configuration when the locking pin 204 is in the locked position.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, the guiding portion 104a can engage with the locking pin 204 already when the locking pin 204 is in its first position. Thus, when the two coupling parts 100, 200 are gently pressed towards each other, the guiding portion 104a engages with the locking pin 204, guiding it along the guiding portion 104a, thereby exerting a pressure on the spring 205b and dislocating the spring-loaded member 205. As the two coupling parts 100, 200 are pressed towards each other, the locking pin 204 is moved along the guiding portion 104a towards the retaining portion 104b. When the locking pin 204 reaches the retaining portion 104b, the spring 205b of the spring-loaded member 205 exerts a force on the locking pin 204 and holds the locking pin 204 in its first position, i.e. the locking arrangement is in its locked configuration. To separate the two coupling parts 100, 200, the spring-loaded member 205 is pushed or pulled as described above, thereby moving the locking pin 204 from its first position to its second position along the transversal plane P2 of the second coupling part 200. During this movement, the locking pin 204 moves along the retaining portion 104b of the retaining mechanism 104 along the transversal plane P1 of the first coupling part 100 until it engages with the guiding portion 104b of the retention mechanism 104. When there is no external force pressing the two coupling parts 100, 200 towards each other, the locking pin 204 is guided along the guiding portion 104a of the retention mechanism 104 towards the end of the second end 102 of the first coupling part 100 and finally disengages from the guiding portion 104a and the locking arrangement is in its released configuration.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, the two spring-loaded members 205 are spring-loaded push-buttons, each spring-loaded push-button comprising a handling portion 205a, a spring 205b and a rod 205c configured to receive the locking pin 204. The handling portion 205a of the spring-loaded member 205 preferably comprises a plurality of circumferential indentations 205f, at which the handling portion 205a can be cut (as described above and as shown in Fig. 5c). Typically, the locking pin 204 is inserted into a slot 205d in the rod 205c (as described above and shown in Fig. 5b). When the handling portion 205a is pressed towards the second coupling part 200, the spring 205b is compressed and the rod 205c and thus also the locking pin 204 is dislocated along a transversal plane P2 of the second coupling part 200. The locking pin 204 is dislocated from a first position to a second position. When the handling portion 205a is not pressed, the spring 205b exerts a force on the rod 205c holding the locking pin 204 and holds the locking pin 204 in its first position.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, the second end 202 of the second coupling part 200 comprises at least one resilient member 206. The resilient member 206 may be as described above. The second end 102 of the first coupling part 100 comprises at least one indentation 105 adapted to receive the at least one resilient member 206.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, the protrusion 207 is a pin adapted to be inserted in a slot 208 (shown in Fig. 7c), whereby the pin 207 protrudes into the female void 203. The male member 103 of the second end 102 of the first coupling part 100 comprises a recess 106 (shown in Figs. 6a, 6c and 8) adapted to mate with the pin 207.

Fig. 9a shows a cover 4 attached to a prosthetic limb (as shown in Fig. 1a) comprising the prosthetic coupling device 1 according to the present disclosure. The cover 4 may also be referred to as cosmetics. The cover 4 may comprise one or two separate parts 4a, 4b. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 9a, the cover 4 comprises two cover parts 4a, 4b separated by a partition P. Thus, the cover 4 has been slit along a transversal plane where the first coupling part 100 and the second coupling part 200 meet when the two coupling parts are connected. The first cover part 4a covers the first coupling part 100 and the second cover part 4b covers the second coupling part 200. Thus, parts of the prosthesis can be separated by disconnecting the coupling device 1 , while the cover 4 is still in place. Hence, there is no need to dismantle the cover 4 when separating different parts of the prosthetic limb.

Fig. 9b is a front view of a prosthetic limb and shows a cover 4 according to the present disclosure. The cover 4 is adapted to receive the spring-loaded member 205 of the second coupling part 200 of the prosthetic coupling device 1 according to the present disclosure. Typically, the cover 4 and the spring-loaded member 205 are adjusted to fit together. On the inside of the cover 4, i.e. the surface of the cover 4 facing the prosthetic coupling device 1 , at least one hole or indentation adapted to receive the end of one spring-loaded member 205 is made. The cover 4 is partitioned into at least two parts 4a, 4b, wherein a first part 4a is adapted to cover at least the first coupling part 100 and a second part 4b is adapted cover at least the second coupling part 200. Thus, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 9b, the two cover parts 4a, 4b are separated by a partition P. If needed, the spring-loaded member 205 may be cut at a circumferential indentation 205f to a length such that the spring-loaded member 205 can be inserted into the hole or indentation in the cover 4, but such that the spring-loaded member 205 does not protrude through the cover 4, i.e. such that the spring-loaded member 205 is slightly below (or under) the outer surface of the cover 4. In other words, the spring-loaded member 205 is covered by the cover 4. This will minimize the accidental release of the spring-loaded member 205, especially in the case when the spring-loaded member 205 is a spring- loaded push-button. Finally, any rough edges on the spring-loaded member 205 may be smoothened to ensure that no sharp edges remain.

Fig. 9c illustrates different positions where a prosthetic device 1 according to the present disclosure can be mounted in a prosthetic limb, as well as the resulting different cover parts 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d. In Fig. 9c, the prosthetic coupling device 1 is mounted such that the first coupling part 100 is above the second coupling part 200, i.e. the second coupling part 200 is attached to the part of the prosthetic limb comprising the foot. However, as shown in Fig. 9d, a prosthetic device 1 according to the present disclosure can be mounted such that the first coupling part 100 is below the second coupling part 200, i.e. the first coupling part 100 is attached the part of the prosthetic limb comprising the foot.

REFERENCE SIGNS

1 prosthetic coupling device

2 first prosthetic member

3 second prosthetic member

4 cover (also referred to as cosmetics)

4a first part of cover (also referred to as cosmetics)

4b second part of cover (also referred to as cosmetics)

4c third part of cover (also referred to as cosmetics)

4d fourth part of cover (also referred to as cosmetics)

100 first coupling part

101 first end of first coupling part

102 second end of first coupling part

103 male member of first coupling part

104 retention mechanism

104a guiding portion

104b retaining portion

105 indentation

106 recess

200 second coupling part

201 first end of second coupling part

202 second end of second coupling part

203 female void of second coupling part

204 locking pin

205 spring-loaded member

205a handling portion

205b spring

205c rod

205d slot 205e pin

205f circumferential indentation

206 resilient member

207 protrusion 208 slot

209 slot

L1 representation of the transversal plane of the first coupling part

P1 transversal plane of the first coupling part

P2 transversal plane of the second coupling part

51 chamfered or tilted surface of the retention mechanism

52 chamfered or tilted surface of the locking pin

S screw

P partition, also referred to as split

Claims

1. A prosthetic coupling device (1 ) comprising: a first coupling part (100) comprising a first end (101 ) and a second end (102), the first end (101 ) being connectable to a prosthetic adapter element of a first prosthetic member (2), and the second end (102) comprising a male member (103); and a second coupling part (200) comprising a first end (201) and a second end (202), the first end (201 ) being connectable to a prosthetic adapter element on a second prosthetic member (3), and the second end (202) comprising a female void (203) configured to receive the male member (103) of the second end (102) of the first coupling part (100); wherein the second end (102) of the first coupling part (100) is connectable to the second end (202) of the second coupling part (200); wherein the prosthetic coupling device (1 ) comprises a first locking arrangement being manually operable and having a locked configuration and a released configuration, the prosthetic coupling device (1) being transferable from a connected state to a disconnected state when the first locking arrangement is in the released configuration; wherein the first locking arrangement comprises: a locking pin (204) that protrudes into the female void (203) of the second coupling part (200); a spring-loaded member (205) arranged to dislocate the locking pin (204) along a transversal plane (P2) of the second coupling part (200); and a retention mechanism (104) for retaining the locking pin (204); wherein the retention mechanism (104) is part of the male member (103) of the first coupling part (100) and wherein the retention mechanism (104) comprises a guiding portion (104a) and a retaining portion (104b), the guiding portion (104a) being adapted to guide the locking pin (204) in movement between the released configuration and the locked configuration, and the retaining portion (104b) being adapted to retain the locking pin (204) in a locked position; wherein the locking arrangement is in its locked configuration when the locking pin (204) is in the locked position.

2. The prosthetic coupling device (1 ) according to claim 1 , further comprising a second locking arrangement being manually operable and having a locked configuration and a released configuration, wherein the first and second locking arrangements are separately operable and the prosthetic coupling device (1 ) being transferable from a connected state to a disconnected state only when both the first and the second locking arrangements are in the released configuration.

3. The prosthetic coupling device (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the guiding portion (104a) of the retention mechanism (104) is open towards the second end (102) of the first coupling part (101 ), and/or the retaining portion (104b) of the retention mechanism (104) extends substantially in a transversal plane (P1 ) of the first coupling part (100).

4. The prosthetic coupling device (1 ) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the retention mechanism (104) is a track.

5. The prosthetic coupling device (1 ) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the locking pin (204) comprises a chamfered or tilted surface (S2) configured to mate with a corresponding chamfered or tilted surface (S1 ) on the guiding portion (104a) and/or on the retaining portion (104b) of the retention mechanism (104).

6. The prosthetic coupling device (1 ) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the spring-loaded member (205) comprises a handling portion (205a), a spring (205b), and a rod (205c) configured to receive the locking pin (204). 7. The prosthetic coupling device (1 ) according to claim 6, wherein the locking pin (204) is inserted into a slot (205d) in the rod (205c).

8. The prosthetic coupling device (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the handling portion (205a) of the spring-loaded member (205) has a plurality of circumferential indentations (205f), at which the handling portion (205a) can be cut.

9. The prosthetic coupling device (1 ) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the spring-loaded member (205) is a spring-loaded pushbutton.

10. The prosthetic coupling device (1 ) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the spring-loaded member (205) is a pulling rod.

11 . The prosthetic coupling device (1 ) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the second end (202) of the second coupling part (200) comprises at least one resilient member (206) and wherein the second end (102) of the first coupling part (100) comprises at least one indentation (105) adapted to receive the at least one resilient member (206).

12. The prosthetic coupling device (1 ) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the female void (203) of the second coupling part (200) comprises a protrusion (207) and wherein the male member (103) of the second end (102) of the first coupling part (100) comprises a recess (106) adapted to mate with the protrusion (207).

13. The prosthetic coupling device (1 ) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the second manually operable locking arrangement is of the same type as the first manually operable locking arrangement. 14. The prosthetic coupling device (1 ) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the second manually operable locking arrangement is of a different type than the first manually operable locking arrangement.

15. The prosthetic coupling device (1 ) according to any one of the previous claims, further comprising a third locking arrangement, the third locking arrangement being adapted to secure the first and/or second locking arrangement(s) in their respective locked configuration(s).

16. The prosthetic coupling device (1 ) according to claim 15, wherein the third locking arrangement is a pin.

17. The prosthetic coupling device (1 ) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the prosthetic adapter element of the first or second prosthetic members (2, 3) is selected from the group consisting of 4-hole linking plates, 4- hole male pyramids, 4-hole female pyramids, 4-hole pyramid receiver adapters, female double adapter, male double adapter, male-female double adapter, Sach foot adapter, female pylons, male adapters, female adapters, male tube clamps, female tube clamps, and/or 4-hole tube clamps.

18. A cover (4) for attaching to an arm prosthesis, a leg prosthesis or an orthosis, comprising a prosthetic coupling device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (4) is adapted to receive the spring-loaded member (205) of the second coupling part (200).

19. A method for adapting a prosthetic coupling device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 17 and a cover according to claim 18 to each other, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing at least one hole or indentation on an inside surface of the cover (4), the hole or indentation being adapted to receive the end of the spring-loaded member (205) of the second coupling part (200) of the coupling device (1 );

(b) splitting the cover into at least two parts (4a, 4b), wherein a first part (4a) is adapted to cover at least the first coupling part (100) and a second part (4b) is adapted cover at least the second coupling part (200); and

(c) optionally, cutting the spring-loaded member (205) at a circumferential indentation (205f) to a length such that the spring-loaded member (205) can be inserted into the hole or indentation in the cover (4), but not protrude through the cover (4); and/or (d) optionally, smoothen any rough edges on the spring-loaded member

(205).